Friday, May 29, 2009

California, 1973. After being awarded a scholarship to attend an elite boarding school in Ojai, California, fifteen-year-old Isaiah Issacson is plucked from his inner-city Oakland neighborhood and thrust into a new—and frightening—atmosphere.

But Isaiah doesn't embrace this new life. Most of the students at Chadwick are rich, spoiled, and white. Unfortunately, his parents, Southern-born and part of the 1950s exodus by African-Americans to the west coast, view Isaiah's scholarship as an opportunity to fulfill Martin Luther King's dreams of racial and educational equality. Too bad Isaiah doesn't see it that way.

Coming from a drastically different background, Isaiah has a difficult time relating to any of the students, and he soon clashes with instructors and fellow classmates. The search for his identity and how he fits in with this elite group soon begins to wear on him. After he meets the beautiful and intelligent Jenaye Gardner and begins a promising love affair, things begin to spiral more out of control. Now, Isaiah has only one goal in mind: to get kicked out of the most elite boarding school in California.

A brilliant coming-of-age novel, Surviving Chadwick reveals one teenager's inner struggle to forge his identity in a new and challenging world.

Phillip Wilhite has written prep sports articles for the Oakland Tribune, freelance news stories for the Philadelphia Inquirer, and book reviews for the Philadelphia Tribune. He lives in Oakland, California.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

What’s all the hubbub about Amish fiction? Major media outlets like Time and ABC Nightline are covering it, and authors like Cindy Woodsmall are making the New York Times bestseller list regularly. What makes these books so interesting?

About Cindy and her titles When the Heart Cries, When the Morning Comes, and When the Soul Mends. It’s an intriguing look at Amish culture and the time Cindy has spent with Amish friends.And don’t forget that Cindy’s new book The Hope of Refuge hits store shelves August 11, and is available for preorder now.

The Hope of Refuge

Raised in foster care and now the widowed mother of a little girl, Cara Moore struggles against poverty, fear, and a relentless stalker. When a trail of memories leads Cara and Lori out of New York City toward an Amish community, she follows every lead, eager for answers and a fresh start. She discovers that long-held secrets about her family history ripple beneath the surface of Dry Lake, Pennsylvania, and it’s no place for an outsider. But one Amish man, Ephraim Mast, dares to fulfill the command he believes that he received from God–“Be me to her”– despite how it threatens his way of life.

Completely opposite of the hard, untrusting Cara, Ephraim’s sister Deborah also finds her dreams crumbling when the man she has pledged to build a life with begins withdrawing from Deborah and his community, including his mother, Ada Stoltzfus. Can the run-down house that Ada envisions transforming unite them toward a common purpose–or push Mahlon away forever? While Ephraim is trying to do what he believes is right, will he be shunned and lose everything–including the guarded single mother who simply longs for a better life?

Cindy Woodsmall a New York Times best selling author of the Sisters of the Quilt series including the books When the Heart Cries, When the Morning Comes, and When the Soul Mends. Her ability to authentically capture the heart of her characters comes from her real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families. A mother of three sons and one daughter-in-law, Cindy lives in Georgia with her husband of thirty years.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Par for the Cursefollows a brief time in the life of Stormy Briggs. She is the a part of the third generation in a family of cursed women. The book examines the impact of generational curses on the lives of family. These eight women have 24 husbands among them. The men they love will never love them. The men who love them, they will never love. It's an unending saga of brokeness. Until now....

Toyi Ward is a freelance writer, author & media host who specializes in contemporary issues that affect working women. After ten years as a Fortune 100 sales & marketing executive, she launched Toyi Ward Communications, LLC, a writing/consulting company focused on the enrichment of working women. TWC contracts with e-magazines, websites, and print media to create fiction and non-fiction projects that examine issues pertaining to today’s woman.

Toyi draws upon her life experience and corporate training to facilitate workshops and lectures that enhance the lives of women at work and in their personal lives. She is the host of “TOYi Talk-Authenticity with Attitude” on the Blog Talk Radio Network. When asked, she credits her tenacity for tackling women’s issues from her name. “It’s one half of the South African toyi-toyi, the dance of protest. My parents named me well.”

SORMAG had the pleasure of interviewing Toyi Ward in a pod cast.

Click to listen toINTERVIEWCheck out the other stops on the tour:VIRTUAL TOUR SCHEDULE

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Readers love interacting with their favorite authors. Here are five ways to connect with your readers.

1. POD CASTS - Podcasts are short audios you can host on your site or other sites. You can read an excerpt about your book. Feature an interview with you or a writer friend. You can even host a workshop.

2. VIDEO CHATS - Don’t have time to visit a book club? Host a web cam book club meeting. All you need are two laptops with web cameras. This is a fun way to visit different book clubs without leaving your home. They are also perfect to host monthly chats with your fans.

3. TELEPHONE CHATS - Telephone chats give you a chance to hear your readers voices. You can host monthly chats and discuss your books. You can do moderated chats or open chats with your readers or book clubs.

4. ONLINE RADIO - Need a place to meet new readers? Online radio is the perfect place. Set up interviews with a few online radio shows. Most are live with call in sessions, so you’re able to talk with the listeners.

5. MEET & EAT - Are you doing a book tour or visiting a different city? Set up a dinner or lunch get together with the local fans. This is a nice way to have an intimate time with your fans. Send out an announcement to your mailing list inviting 5-20 readers to meet you at a local restaurant. You can discuss your book or just eat and chat.

These are a few ideas to help you interact with your readers. Don’t forget to have prizes, fans love winning prizes.

Monday, May 25, 2009

Double Insanity is a gritty detail of a couple's tumultuous relationship and domestic drama. Filled with strong language and dark humor, Karen Thompkins chronicles in a raw, yet entertaining way, the disturbing events and bizarre behaviors that take place in this emotional roller coaster romance.

Jewel, a registered nurse with a sharp-tongue, becomes romantically involved with Tony, a violent ex-con, who just finished serving five years in prison for aggravated assault. Despite Tony’s abusive behavior in the beginning of the relationship, Jewel becomes pregnant by him and the two marry. These two insane individuals are intertwined in the vicious cycle of violence, humiliation, and makeup sex- known as the“sick dance.”

Having been raised in an abusive household, Jewel sees Tony's violent behavior as normal and tolerates it for seven years. However, it is Tony’s infidelity that leads Jewel to snap and copy her lover’s twisted, violent actions. In this revenge thriller, Jewel risks everything for the love of Tony, including her freedom.Karen Thompkins, a survivor of domestic abuse, is defining the very essence of what it means to triumph over adversity. Self publishing her first book entitled Double Insanity via her small press Karter Publishing, Double Insanity (April, 2009) is an intimate look at a couple entangled in the world of domestic violence. With the release of her novel, Karen plans for a multi-city tour that will lay the foundation for her domestic abuse awareness campaign launching this summer, and will continue far beyond the month of October (Domestic Abuse Awareness month).Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the youngest of nine children, Karen graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. www.karenthompkins.com

Saturday, May 23, 2009

KaTrina Love Abram has been a technical writer and editor for over 15 years. She's always known that she'd be a writer because as a child she was an avid reader. Currently, KaTrina edits IBM Redbooks Publication for the IBM International Technical Support Organization. She is also the fiction editor for Written Magazine. In her spare time, she reads and teaches Yoga. You will never find her without a book or two in tow.

Friday, May 22, 2009

Just when things are going perfect for Savannah and Kevin, a blast from the past, hits the scene. Naomi, a revamped diva and budding actress, seizes the opportunity to enter into Kevin’s life and bed, reigniting a secret rendezvous that threatens his relationship.

Kevin delights in having his cake and eating it too until Naomi decides that she wants more. Spurned, Naomi stops at nothing to stake her claim on what is hers, bringing lies, destruction, and deceit. Naomi, bent on revenge targets anyone that lies in her path. Shattered trust and betrayal is inevitable. Can their relationship survive Naomi?Shawna Hill was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. She holds a BS in Business Administration from Ohio Dominican University. For several years, she’s been an avid reader and at the urging of friends and family, decided to pen her own stories. She’s been published in confessional magazines as well as published her own romance magazine, both online and in print. She currently lives in Columbus, Ohio with her two children and significant other.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Colossians 3:21 Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged.

Your words can either make or break your children. Use them to speak life.

Nothing saddens me more than to walk into a room and hear a mother chastising her child by saying things like “Why you so dumb and stupid. You gon’ be like yo sorry daddy;” Or worse yet calling their children everything but a child of God. What do you think will happen if you always call your children bad? It can become a self fulfilling prophecy. Scripture tells us we have the power of life and death in our own tongues and despite the cliché about sticks and stones words do hurt.

If you’ve been harsh with words spoken to your children prayerfully acknowledge your sin and seek forgiveness. Look for opportunities to affirm your children. Catch them doing something right and praise them for it.

What were the last words you spoke to your children today?

Meet Cheryl Lacey DonovanCheryl Donovan is a native Houstonian who is walking in her destiny as she ministers the word of God all over the country. Her captivating messages are delivered in a no nonsense transparent dialogue with her audiences.

Cheryl believes in the Psalms 11:25 which says, She who refreshes others will herself be refreshed; therefore, she tries to be transparent as she speaks and writes about her valley to mountain experiences.

Cheryl resides in Houston with her husband of 16 years. She has two grown sons and a step-daughter who has a son of her own.

To learn more about Cheryl or to have her speak at your next event visit http://www.cheryllaceydonovan.com

The Ministry of Motherhood In a time when teen pregnancy is on the rise once more and single mothers are being blamed for all of societies problems, Cheryl Lacey Donovan presents a view of single motherhood that tears down all the excuses for why single mother's can't succeed.

Cheryl Donovan shares her valuable insight into the spiritual and biblical principles associated with being a good mother.

A former single mother herself, Cheryl shows readers that through the abundance of God's grace and love along with determination and perseverance, children don't have to become statistics.Cheryl identifies key biblical principles and displays practical life lessons that can help to establish solid foundations upon which to rear happy, well rounded, productive children.

Cheryl provides insight the will assist the reader to look inside themselves for change. It will help them identify the strongholds of poverty, lack of education, and abusive relationships and help them tear them down with the help of the creator.

Cheryl's powerful testimony about her journey from teen pregnancy, domestic violence, and single parenting, to award winning author, educator, and inspirational speaker is sure to empower, enlighten, and inspire mothers everywhere.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

In How Do You Say Good-bye? Jessica Allen is still heartbroken over her split from Alexander Galey, the man she believed to be her future. When startling revelations are revealed, putting their whole relationship in question, will they have to say goodbye once and for all to their love?

In Surrender, Monique Wurlin is determined to ignore the warm feelings that Jordan evokes when he looks at her. She doesn't want to lose their special friendship or open herself up to heartache ever again. Can Jordan help Monique surrender her heart before a tragedy separates them forever?Melissa Wathington has over 20 years in the writing industry. A college graduate with a BA in Journalism, she has worked as layout and content editor for three college newspapers, and two county papers. Soap Opera Digest and Soap Opera Weekly have featured her writing and she's done numerous freelance editing jobs. She served as editor for two national magazines, Street and Ultimate Black Hair, was a book reviewer for over 5 years at The Romance Readers Connection and has had numerous short stories and three books published. Melissa is now writing full time, seeking representation for her work.

In the Midst of a Storm is the first of series about love and life storms that occur in the small town of Greensboro , Alabama. The citizens coexist beautifully Monday thru Saturday, but everyone prefers to attend church with their respective races on Sunday mornings. No one thought it was a problem. It had always been that way. However, their preferences soon reveal their prejudices when an innovative blond haired blue eyed new comer, Reverend Michael Green moves to town, falls in love with a prominent member in the African American community, and attempts to form a church where everyone is welcomed.

Nicole C. Schroeder: I live in North Alabama with my amazing husband and our precious little one. When I am not attending Mommy and Me classes, running errands, and spending time with my best friend/husband, I am working on my latest novel. I recently woke up at 2:00a.m., grabbed my laptop, and started typing because I had an idea. I'm not obsessed, just passionate.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

VICTORIOUS Magazineis the cornerstone of our public communication, providing access to articles representing our victorious message! By reaching out directly to each woman and touching on the concerns that are on her heart we are able to encourage her to press on toward her dreams to live victoriously, taking control of her own destiny and achieving her true purpose. Our editorial content is designed to validate the importance of the things that appeal to her on all levels - personally, professionally, spiritually, and mentally - in a way that only women can understand. Our article categories include Destiny & Purpose, Inspiration & Empowerment, Stewardship, Victorious Living, Victorious Wellness, and Style & Grace.

The publication launched its digital version March 30, 2009. The first print issue of VICTORIOUS MAGAZINE will hit the newsstands July 2009, with an initial circulation of 25,000.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Elsie B. Washington, a former associate editor of Newsweek, onetime writer forEssence magazine and a novelist, died Tuesday, May 5 in a Bronx, N.Y., geriatrichome after battling multiple sclerosis and cancer, her brother, James E.Peterson, told Journal-isms.

She was 66.

A Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writer called Washington "the mother of theAfrican-American romance" after she wrote "Entwined Destinies"while working as a business reporter for Newsweek. That book's publicationby Dell Candlelight Romances in 1980"laid the groundwork for all theethnic romances to follow," Katherine Wikoff wrote in the Milwaukee paper.Washington used the pseudonym Rosalind Welles.

A 1983 piece for Newsweek blended her two identities. "Everyone knows Cupid has wings. But last week he sprouted wheels to carry 40 romance authorsfrom Los Angeles to New York for the second annual Romantic Book Lovers'Conference," an editor's note began. "NEWSWEEK Associate EditorElsie B. Washington, a.k.a. romance writer Rosalind Welles, boarded the LoveTrain to record the ecstasy and the agony of crossing 11 sensuous states, 10rushing rivers and 4 torrid time zones."

She also wrote from the UnitedNations and authored the "Periscope" column. At the time of Wikoff's 1996 piece, Washington was a writer in the San Francisco schools with a long career in the New York publishing industry behindher. She had moved to Oakland, Calif., "to be with my lifelong love of 17years," a jazz musician.

Later in 1996, she released her first nonfiction book, "Uncivil War : The Struggle Between BlackMen and Black Women," published by The Noble Press in Chicago. A blurb saidthe book "explores the glorious history of Black relationships and marriage from slavery until today.

"Washington worked at Essence in late 1980s and early 1990s, sharing themasthead with such luminaries as Susan L. Taylor, Valerie Wilson Wesley, Audrey Edwards, Diane Weathers, Linda Villarosa, Benilde Little, Harriette Cole and Michaela Angela Davis, all of whom were together in the front-of-the- booklisting of January 1993.

Services are scheduled for 9 a.m. Saturday at New Hope for All Saints/St.Peters Bronx, 585 E. 163 St., Bronx, N.Y.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Mary as I call her, was one of the first bloggers I visited daily. I enjoyed reading about her writing life and her family. She kept me smiling when I needed a smile. She gave me a laugh when I needed to laugh. Her blogs encouraged me to try the blogging.

It’s been wonderful watching Marilyn grow as a writer and enjoying her books. I’m so proud of her work and how she’s touched other readers and writers.

SORMAG talks to Marilynn Griffith about her latest book release, Mom's The Word.

Marilynn Griffith is the author of eight novels, mother to seven children, wife to a deacon and proof of God’s enduring mercy. One of her novels, If the Shoe Fits, served as a prop in Tyler Perry’s box office hit Why Did I Get Married? She has served as national Vice President of American Christian Fiction Writers and has served on faculty at several national writers conferences. When she’s not writing about friendship, family and faith, Marilynn blogs and speaks to women and writers.

Tell us about Mom's the Word.

I love writing about relationships. In this book, I wanted to explore friendship and motherhood and how they affect each other. Here's a short blurb for the book, but as always, there's more to it than this:

Birkenstock vs. Manolo? When a burned out mom and trying-to-conceive diva become neighbors, both wish for taller fences. Or at least some ear plugs. Can two very different women mend their fences for 21 days to get what they want? Or will three weeks change their lives forever?

How did you come up with ideas for this book?

A Christian mom's organization was launching a fiction line and was interested in having me submit something. Having seven children of my own, I've spent a good deal of my life being a mom and being with moms, so I was excited. I sat down to just make some notes, but two friends emerged under my fingers very quickly. They meant everything to each other, raised their kids together, lived next to each other, prayed together...until one of them moved away. And then someone who is directly opposite and has no kids moves in. They can't stand each other, but they need each other. That was all I knew at first, but I had to know what would happen.

Who are your main character(s)?

Karol Simons and her new neighbor Dyanne Thornton are the main characters but author Fallon Gray, Karol's son Ryan and both the husbands, Rob and Neal play big roles in the story.

Did you have a favorite character(s)? Who and why?

Ironically, one of the characters I had a lot of fun with wasn't very likable at first. Faith the Great, Karol's mother who refused to be called Grandma was someone I enjoyed watching change and grow throughout the story.

Did you have to do quite a bit of research for this novel?

This was my first book actually set in Tallahassee, Florida where I live, so the research and travel factor was low. The publishing factor was also something I had knowledge of, so no, I didn't have to do as much research as usual for this one.

Okay, a not-so-fun question. How important are reviews to you as a writer?

I'd love to say they don't matter, but they can be very encouraging or very hurtful. I've learned though that reviews are very subjective and that all I can do is write best book I can.

About the Book

When her tall, dark, delicious husband joins their three kids in calling her “Mom,” Karol Simons has an identity crisis. Sure she loves the pint-size trio, but what’s happened to her dreams of writing a novel? Determined to have it all, she turns to her neighbor for help.

Dyanne Thornton is thrilled to stand in as Mom for three weeks so Karol can write. Bursting with baby fever, the career-woman trades her glamorous clothes and four-inch heels for the playground and potty training. She hopes to convince her reluctant husband they should start a family of their own, right away.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

At a young age I struggled to learn my value within a world that devalued me simply because of the color of my skin. Temporary limitations placed on what was considered my ‘deficiency’ created a determination within that was dangerous for people of color. I determined that I would not spend my money on substandard products; nor would I unnecessarily seed into entities that did not meet my needs.

So what does this have to do with book readers? More than you might imagine.

Burger King’s™ slogan and practice of allowing the patron to, ‘Have It Your Way’ did much to pull customers through its doors. Rather than embracing the, ‘This is what we have, take it or leave it’ mentality, they understood the power of choice. By giving their customers the option of choice it conveyed that they valued and appreciated their needs. It also showed that they understood what it took to remain competitive and have satisfied, returning customers.

Unlike the fast-food industry, publishers have yet to show that same type of consideration for its readers.

In the face of this nation’s economic woes, the struggles of the publishing industry cannot totally be blamed on Wall Street. The majority of book income comes from the pockets of J. Q. Public. Yet, for all the proclamations voiced by readers, their requests have been ignored on many fronts. It is this type of disregard for the consumer that is a major contributor to the lack of admiration and financial demise of a once-thriving and esteemed profession.

The results of such callous disregard (and economics), has turned the once-compliant buyer into a less compromising and budget-conscience shopper. When it comes to the African-American book reader the view of publishing houses and bookstore practices becomes much dimmer.

In order to give voice to the African-American reader (albeit only within my tiny sphere of influence) I decided to conduct a survey. Of fifty readers surveyed, the following are the most consistent responses to my queries.

As the reader, what is it YOU look for in terms of:

What is being pushed by publishing houses

Most are disappointed that the more marketed African-American books are usually drama-filled

Best-selling status is not a priority when considering a purchase

Read company promotions, but do not base their purchases upon recommended items

Purchase more books according to word-of-mouth

Variety of books that speak to your culture/heritage

Disappointed in lack of variety in the majority of storylines

Would prefer books with history focusing on something other than slavery

Would enjoy books that speak to maturing readers, i.e., forty to fifty year olds.

Prefer more multi-cultural books

Would prefer more variety in African-American authors to choose from

Availability of your preferred books in stores

Minimal in-store availability to current books written by African-American authors

Placement of books of African-American authors

1. Most being in obscure corners of the bookstore2. Books rarely available before or after a book signing.3. African-American Christian fiction rarely in ‘Christian’ bookstores own/operated by persons of non-color4. Lack of availability of lesser-known authors on shelves5. African-American Christian fiction books virtually unseen on shelves of stores owned by those of non-color

*The number one complaint among those polled is the necessity of having to order current African-American titles because they are rarely available in the store.

Availability of your preferred book online

Can usually find preferred book online

Like the option of online discounts

Availability of your preferred books in libraries

Can usually find on shelves

Some libraries are a bit behind, but are usually willing to order

What is your preferred method of purchasing books· Online· Directly from the author· Discount stores

Your personal view as it pertains to this subject as a whole

Would prefer a broader variety of books in stores

Not so much pushing of drama-packed African-American books in bookstores

More multi-cultural offerings

More book series

More Internet promotions with offers of book(s) for sale directly from the author during blog/online tours

More opportunity to purchase from author’s site

Titles placed in general fiction and African-American section of bookstores

Much more consideration from bookstores for its customers

It has been said that knowledge is power. I will add to that, this—your dollars are power. The following is an excerpt from the article ‘Are Mainstream Ad Agencies Undervaluing the Black Consumer’?

“Today, Sharp notes that the industry’s neglect of the value of the black consumer dollar is an issue of benign neglect. Black spending is enormous, particularly when you study the consumption indices. I’ve worked in agencies for years, and often it is a matter of not being on someone’s radar.” He adds that the situation is complicated by the fact that the majority of African-Americans are concentrated in the South and Southeast, and in urban areas and in certain neighborhoods in the United States. “There are millions of whites whose primary sources of information about African-Americans are what they gain from the media. This means that many whites have little or no firsthand knowledge of, or experience with, black people.”

As a reader and consumer, YOU have the power of choice. You can choose to voice your concerns backed by the giving or withholding of your power—the almighty dollar. There are a variety of avenues to pursue to satisfy your reading palate. The choice is totally yours.

Until next time, remember—Purposely Said words can destroy or create a life. Linda!

In a world obsessed with perfection of the outer appearance and makeovers of every kind, Candy discovered a different kind of makeover one that lasts a makeover of the heart. Candys life seemed to have fallen into place. Blessed with an idyllic childhood and loving parents who doted on their precocious only child with a mind of her own, she grew up with grace and charm in the Old South of the 1950s and 60s. As a speech and drama major at the University of Alabama, vivacious petite Candy channeled her boundless energy and passion to be on stage. Marriage blessed with two darling children followed ... and then the diagnosis at age 30 that changed her life and her looks forever. Her only chance at survival was a surgery so drastic that, according to her doctors, she would lose the greater portion of her face including the right eye and possibly the left, leaving her severely deformed. Candy awoke with a new face on the outside and a renewed commitment to her Lord on the inside. On life s stage, Candy chose to surrender to a different kind of makeover by the Master s hands. Candy tells her amazing story a true medical miracle as she set out to discover who she was apart from her physical looks.

Thursday, May 07, 2009

This month our theme is Book Readers. We here at SORMAG appreciate book readers. Without you there is no SORMAG. We invite you to stop by tomorrow as we kick off a month long Reader’s Appreciation celebration. Each Friday we will have a prize for a lucky winner and do some fun stuff for our readers.

Let’s talk about E-books

Have you joined the Kindle set?

When did you get your Kindle and what do you like about it?

If you haven’t gone to the other side, what’s stopping you from buying your Kindle?